This is a really neat little book. So much has been written about Thomas Jefferson's life and the building of Monticello that it is hard to find books that offer anything really different. This book is a treasured part of my library for several reasons. The biggest reason is that it offers something unique: a look at the ordinary life of Jefferson. This isn't about the statesman, the president, the revolutionary. It's about the things he loved most: farming and working on his beloved home. The hardcover edition I have is beautiful in appearance, and this little book serves as a nice endtable conversation piece. It's a great gift for history lovers (I received it as a wedding present, believe it or not). In short, I couldn't recommend it more highly.

The name of my book was Wolf by the Ears by Ann Rinaldi and I gave it four stars. It was about a girl named Harriet who was living as a "servant" in Thomas Jefferson's household. Harriet was one of the children Sally Hemmings had; most believe that her children's father was Mr. Jefferson himself, due to their extremely light skin and the way that they were treated under his authority. This book is Harriet's diary. She writes in it over a period of about two and half years, from the time she is 19 until she turns 21. Harriet has an option of leaving Monticello (the house/plantation) when she turns twenty-one. She doesn't really want to leave, but she can't stay. This book is about her last few years at Monticello and all of her struggles. I gave this book four stars for many reasons. The first reason was because of the way it was written. I think that the author did a really great job of writing this book in a diary form. First, it made the book flow a lot easier. As a reader, I was never left wondering where I was at in the storyline or trying to figure out who was just talking. The author didn't make us jump from character to character. This kind of leads me into my next point. The story was about one girl; it was one girl's diary. I enjoy books that are really only centered around one specific character. With one character, you feel like you can connect to/ understand that character better because you focus on them and their story. My second reason for rating this book four stars was because it was based on real events in history. Personally, I like to read historical fiction because I think that it's sometimes easier for me to visualize and get a feel for the book if I know that its based on something that really happened. Ann Rinaldi is one of my favorite authors and she does a really great job of writing historical fiction books that have a lot of detail and research put into them. This leads me to my next point. My last reason for rating this book why I did comes from the book's storyline. The author did a good job of putting in a variety of emotional struggles/actions and events. This book has a lot of different scenes that deal with an assortment of emotions. The main reason why I didn't give this book five stars was because sometimes I felt like Harriet was whining too much. She complained about her life and her struggles, and it was probably hard, but she complained about the same things over and over. Other than that though, this book was very entertaining. Finally, I just wanted to say that this book could be read by anyone. It's not just for teens or anything like that. That's one of the reasons why I like historical fiction, because any age group can enjoy it. Historical fiction can bring up questions or be informative, both of which this book did in my opinion. The author did a great job on this book, and I think that anyone who has actually read my paper this far needs to go read it so they know what I'm talking about.

This is a story about Harriet Hemings, a slave who lives on Monticello, a plantation owned by Thomas Jefferson. She loves were she lives, but since she's getting older, she has to start thinking about if she'll take her freedom or not when she turns twenty-one. Harriet's mama made a deal with Thomas Jefferson that when her children turned twenty-one they could decide to leave and be free, if that was what they wanted. Her mama wanted her to leave and take her freedom because she wanted the best for all her children, but Harriet wasn't sure if she could leave all these things and people she loved. Even if she did take her freedom, she would still have problems out in the world as a black. She had a lot of white blood in her along with some African, but she was light enough she could easily be mistaken as a white woman. So could Harriet not only leave every thing she knew and loved but also turn her back on her black people?
I thought this was a really good book. Most books about slavery make it seem like all slaves had an awful life and were treated terribly, but this book made me hope that there were some slaves that as good of a life as Harriet had. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about or is interested in the life of a slave.

I think this book is one of the best books I,ve ever read. Its one of those books that you cant put down. After I finished reading it I started reasearch on the Hemings family, and sure enough, it is known for Harriet Hemings to be Jefferson's slave daughter. ; Harriet Hemings is called a servant on Thomas Jefferson' beatiful plantation, Monticello, but she's not. She is mulato slave. Slave and servant aren't all that she is called though. Her brothers and her beleive that the rumors of Thomas Jefferson being their father. Why not? He knows them by name, and gives them small gifts when he sees them. Each of Sally Hemings children recive their freedom when they reach the age of 21. Harriet will turn 21 in 1822, two years away. How can she leave all she has ever known at Monticello? Then she finds out that the Master is is debt. Will he sell or marry her off before she reaches the grand age of 21? When Jefferson's son-in-law encorages her to pass as white, life is looking better, but if she passes as white will she be turning her back on her people? How will she leave? Will she leave like her brother, Tom, in the middle of the night? Will she pass as white?

The way this book is written and presented for all of the public is like a breath of fresh air. If you love America, character, leadership, Thomas Jefferson, or West Point, I am sure you will love this book.

A breath of fresh air from all the typically dry, uninspiring, uncomprehensible, pretentious, high-brow, gadfly, skullduggery on the subject, which make good kindling for a fire.
Norman Thomas Remick is an interesting, independent scholar with a sense character and, more importantly, a sense of humor.
Do yourself a favor, and buy this book, because it's so original...scholarly text with cartoons and photos! This one won't collect too much dust. One of my favorites: P.289 The cartoon of Thomas Jefferson throwing up his hands saying, "STEADY ON THERE! I DIDN'T SAY A MILITARY ACADEMY WASN'T A GOOD IDEA. I ONLY SAID IT'S NOT CONSTITUTIONAL!"

Any reasonable, truth seeking person will find this work outstanding, especially for the young and for those who influence young people. It offers a touchstone for success for all walks of life. Mr. Remick has put into understandable words the importance of virtue for a successful US military and a moral United States.

I agree with Mr. Remick that virtue can be tought. I also agree that humans striving to learn virtue require an arduous and prolonged experience similar to the West Point experience.

Civil society requires a "remnent" of virtuous, well educated
leaders with moral character. The West Point model is a remarkable and unreplaceable resource for the continuation of our free republic.

Some friendly editing would make this book even better.

When I was a young adolescent, my Illini-Germanic American and immigrant family and I went to Monticello. I inquired as to why there was a "trap door" into Jefferson's bedroom and was told that Mr. Jefferson used the space above his bedroom to store clothing, etc. I didn't believe it, Thanks be to God! Many years later, I learned of this book while living in Durham, NC. I found a copy in a used bookstore and read it and realized that my adolescent suspicions were grounded in hidden truths! Barbara Chase-Riboud charaturization of the Life of Jefferson is NOW something that the tour guides of Monticellio do reference. (Wonders never Cease!) The recent DNA studies and the fact that the some of the members of Thomas Jefferson's family have acknowledged the Hemmings as their Family members will no doubt bring this "long forgotten" historical-"fiction" novel into it's own. Hopefully, the re-publication of the work will benifit the Great-great-grand children of Sally Hemmings and will likewise recognize the other works of Barbara Chase-Riboud as well as other "Afro-American" Female writers who dared/dare to record American History NOT as "An American Controversy" but as This United State s of American History. Sally Hemmings is clearly in this work a Beacon of Light for the WOMEN of this Nation as Rosa Parks was/is. WOMEN of this Nation who dare to explore "where they came from" and "where their Strength" lies Embodied" will find in Sally Hemmings, as she speaks today from Barbara's novel, a Woman who lives more fully than she could enjoy herself when she was alive: in the world she was birthed into, she was not recognized as a Woman. Sally Hemmings today cannot escape the attention of any man or woman of Integrity. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings are NOT "An American Contoversery". Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings are, for those of us of Integrity, Founders of THIS Unitied States of America -- now fighting against the "ethnic cleansing" elsewhere!

This is the most incredible book i have ever read in my life. Barbra's ability to weave such an amamzing story around the life of Sally Hemmings, brings a complete picture of her family and times. I could not put this book down! I have since read its follow up, The President's Daughter which is the story of the children she had with Thomas Jefferson. That book is also 5 stars. DNA Test proved in 1998 that Sally's decendents are from her union with Thomas Jefferson. Why is America so affraid of parenting between masters and thier slaves? She had his children is for sure, the events of her life is what Barbra researched and brought together for us as a stunning 10 of a book!

I always vaguely admired Thomas Jefferson and knew that he was an interesting sort of man and quite the genius. However, I was completely surprised and interested to read about his relationship with Sally Hemings. I couldn't put this book down and I resolved to read more about Sally Hemings. How sickening and dreadful we "humans" have treated each other and still treat each other! How could Jefferson had slaves? (How could anyone?)

I think that this sort of book should be required reading in high schools and colleges instead of some of the deadly boring books assigned in Lit classes. Most people don't think about and don't know how people of color and how women have been so ignored, disrespected and hidden in American history.

SALLY HEMINGS is a novel, but this story tells the sad truth of slaves and women. I'd recommend it for men and women... It's a good read and it's thought-provoking... There are women in parts of the world in similar circumstance right now and we are oblivious to their situations. Hopefully, their stories won't stay buried as the story of SALLY HEMINGS has been.

Good book. I really recommend it.

Historians continue to debate our family lineage. There is nothing to lose or gain admitting to Jefferson and Sally's children. The first child conceived in Paris, also confirmed by Sally sons' Madison in a newspaper article in Pike County and with the correct calendar date a child is born at Virginia in 1790, records can be found in Jefferson's farm book. This child was 12 years old and a racial mixture of 7/8 white, exact mixture of Thomas woodson. when you purchase A President in the Family" byByron Woodson a six genertion descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, you can follow the trail of evidence that historians refused to acknowledge. There ocntinues to be families black and white form Virginia that had this truth passed down. Herb Barger is a hobby Jefferson genealogist. My husband is a confirmed Jefferson heir and geneaologist.

Calendar's life is potrayed it the book "Hammer of Truth" written by a native of Australia. Because he at time drank he would spend time in local jail, hearing of all skeltons in closets. He also wrote and ran several newspapers. So there is credibility to his knowledge of Tom Woodson.

Uhtil they exhume Jefferon and test his blood with Martha's children and Sally's children - no one can disprove the Legacy of the Woodsons- Epps, Randolphs or Hemings.

The Woodson's kept this story alive despite historians trying to deep six it. The truth alway lives on. Purchase "A President in The Family" and you can follow the trail of evidence as all of the research has been done.

Trena and Byron Woodson, author and Jefferson Genealogist

The McMurrys have spent much research on Callender and here you will be able to read many, many comments of James Callender. Not only has the Jefferson/Hemings/Woodson "Campaign Lies" been laid to rest by the DNA study, but many not too complementary statements about Sally Hemings are written about by this [person]. You will also be able to compare what Callender "really" said as opposed to what some recent researchers would like the reader to think he said. It was Callender who started all the Thomas Jefferson rumors because Jefferson refused to give him the position of Postmaster of Richmond, Virginia. Other later writers have used this "Campaign Lie" BUT DNA "tripped them up", there was NO Jefferson/Woodson match. It was the Woodson family tradition that the Tom that Callender reported as a son of Thomas Jefferson was NOT the result of the DNA Study. For more revealing reading on this topic please purchase [...] the new book, "Jefferson-Hemings Myth, An American Travesty."

The McMurrys excellent and well researched book that should be on the shelf of every historian or researcher of this topic. This is not just the thoughts of the McMurrys, but taken from actual microfilms from many locations and from different newspapers over a period of time. Good reading!

Herbert Barger Jefferson Family Historian

The source of the enduring myth that Thomas Jefferson fathered a "Paris baby," born to his slave Sally Hemings, was a series of newspaper articles by James T. Callender in 1802. Until now, these articles could only be read on microfilm at selected locations. In what can only be described as a labor of love, the McMurrys, through painstaking transcription, have made these articles available to the public for the first time.

In 1998, DNA tests linked the male line in the Jefferson family to Hemings' youngest son, Eston. The staff at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, owners of the Jefferson home Monticello, then issued a report that Thomas Jefferson had fathered not only Eston, but three other children by Sally Hemings. The prestige of the Monticello name generated world wide publicity. Prominent in the Monticello report were excerpts of the Callender articles.

The McMurry book displays the articles in chronological order demonstrating how Callender picked up on local gossip in 1802 during Jefferson's first term and parlayed it into a series over the next six months, when Callender drowned in the James River. The Monticello report presented the articles as "evidence," but the McMurry book demonstrates clearly that Callender had never visited Monticello (contrary to a recent TV movie), had no source he could quote, and had no proof of any connection between Jefferson and Sally Hemings. He just made it up.

It has also been routinely repeated by historians that Sally Hemings was the daughter of John Wayles, father of Thomas Jefferson's wife, Martha. This would make Sally the half sister of Martha Jefferson. The McMurrys reveal the source of this rumor is no more substantial than an 1805 letter to the editor by an unidentified writer, which caused a new flurry of the Callender slanders.

The Paris baby, named "Tom" by Callender, is claimed to be the ancestor of a present day Woodson family. Except for the Callender articles, there is no proof that Sally had a son before 1798, eight years after the claimed birth of Tom Woodson. An important result of the DNA tests, which has been ignored by the paternity sympathizers, showed that the Woodsons are not descendants of Thomas Jefferson. This raises an important question why historians, and particularly Monticello, continue to reference the discredited Callender articles to support a paternity claim against Jefferson.

This book won't make the rumors go away but the McMurrys have performed an important service of original research. It is disappointing that more prominent Jefferson historians are not examining the Hemings myth with the same objectivity.

Andrew Allison'a "The Real Thomas Jefferson" is truly a treasure.
Starting out with a really informative and well written short biography, and then going into an alphabetical section of Jefferson's views according to his actual quotes really makes this book shine. Jefferson is shown in his true glory as a champion of the common man, and a defender of liberty and freedom. It is also an excellent biography of his sterling character refuting the lies and propaganda about the alleged Hemings affair. A revolutionary, politician, architect, scientist this was Jefferson, an "American Da Vinci" so to speak. Particularly informative is the section showing his lifelong support for public education, and religious freedom. A great buy.

---In ONE volume!!

What is so good is that Andrew Allison completely documents his history so that you get a really clear view of Thomas Jefferson. I also appreciate the fact that the author doesn't pander to the sleaze that so many authors resort to in order to make a few extra sales. In fact he shows why the recent smear tactics on Jefferson are fraudulent.

THREE CHEERS FOR ANDREW ALLISON FOR HIS COURAGE TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT JEFFERSON!!!

The last 330 pages of text contain quotations from Thomas Jefferson himself on many different subjects. Each of these quotations is placed alphabetically according to the subject that it deals with. This way a reader can use this book as a reference to look up what Thomas Jefferson believed on any particular issue. This last section of the book was prepared by Cleon Skousen, Richard Maxfield and Delynn Cook, and is, by itself, worth the price of the book.

--George Stancliffe

This book is well written and easy to read. I've developed a great love and respect for Thomas Jefferson after reading this book. He was a man of character and a man of vision. This book has helped me understand the truth... Jefferson did not have sexual relations with Sally Hemings. And he is not the father of her children. That lie was made up by an angry relative.

Read this book and get to know the REAL man!

This book is inimitable Stephen Ambrose. Like all of his books, he turned this book of history into his story --- a nonfiction adventure story. Stephen E. Ambrose actually evolved into what can be called a nonfiction novelist. Starting with historical facts, he blended-in a judicious amount of hyperbole, added a pinch of sensationalism, and came up with a new metamorphosis called creative history that was very successful at holding a reader's attention. There are now other authors (including yours truly) who do the same, but, Ambrose was the first and the best. "Undaunted Courage" is yet another book in a long line of his books that shows he knew how to inform by perfecting the knack of making history interesting. He shall be missed.

I found this an excellent book that transported me back in time to the days of the Louisiana Purchase. For me, such an experience is the definition of a good history book.

The subject, as anyone who reads the introduction will see, is one that is dear to Ambrose. His intimate knowledge of the subject comes through in what is a thoroughly gripping narrative.

Ambrose clearly admires Meriwether Lewis, but his writing is fair and impartial as he delves into the trials and triumphs of the expedition as a whole, and Lewis personally. The story begins at the beginning, well before the voyage of discovery begins, by establishing the relationship between Lewis and Thomas Jefferson that will ultimately result in Lewis being given command of the expedition.

Clark's role is not ignored, and Ambrose repeatedly points out that Lewis viewed Clark as a co-leader, although the government at the time recognized him only as Lewis's lieutenant. But, as the title suggests, the book focuses on Lewis, the great project's leader, and his sponsor Jefferson.

Lewis's tragic decline and eventual suicide ends the book and serves as a sad counterpoint for his great and yes, courageous, leadership during the expedition.

Altogether the book offers a fascinating read for anyone interested in the story of Lewis and Clark, or students of Thomas Jefferson looking for additional perspective into the events that shaped his presidency.

You don't have to do any reading between the lines, nor in fact, go far into this book before you realize that the 1803-1806 journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark into the unknown American west, holds a very special place in Stephen Ambrose's heart. He says as much; "in short, we have been obsessed with Lewis and Clark for twenty years". And understandably so. It is a fascinating tale. As told here by Ambrose it is part biography of Lewis, part travelogue, and pure history writing at it's finest. Although Lewis and Clark are central, the journey is as much a story of the vision and ambitions of president Thomas Jefferson, who in fact authorized the trip. "From Jefferson's point of view, the captains [Lewis and Clark] were on an expedition to explore newly acquired territory, to find the water route to the Pacific, to extend commerce, to collect specimens for science, and to establish an American claim on the Oregon country". From this description of objectives we get a clear picture of the times and the spirit of adventure; the sense of elan and the feeling of optimism that was typical of the young American nation. The unknown west was seen by the intellectual Jefferson as some sort of quest, an eager venture to be undertaken by his explorers.

Ambrose describes it all in loving detail and is able to recreate this sense of enthusiasm for the west with it's promises for the future of America. Ironic then, that the instrumental character - Meriwether Lewis is shown to be a man of anything but good cheer and optimism. While a competent soldier and good leader for the expedition, the man was alcoholic and suffered bouts of deep depression. His ending was grim, convincingly argued and poignantly portrayed by Ambrose, as an act of suicide by a demented mind.

Undoubtedly, Mr. McLaughlin did his homework when he prepared to write this book. I enjoy biographies, am very fascinated by Thomas Jefferson, and was intrigued by the creative approach Mr. McLaughlin took to tell us about Jefferson by using Monticello as a "prism through which [we] view [Jefferson's] life ...".

Unfortunately, the execution didn't meet expectations and this is most noticable in the areas related to the editing. I had difficulty getting past the meandering style. The anecdotes hop around chronologically, and are not tied together well. There is unnecessary repetition within the annecdotes. Even the grammar is off. (I'm not an editor, so as soon as I extend criticism I'm opening myself up as a target, but I recognize a few errors that would've made my high school English teacher cringe. Where one does this professionally, a higher standard is expected.)

Mr. McLaughlin's book could have been tightend up considerably, and structured in a less meandering way for me to have found greater benefit from reading this book.

There are a lot of books about Jefferson's politics, his religion, his presidency, his time abroad, etc. Even books about Monticello. But this book is unique in that it focuses on how Monticello was actually built. And if you are the least bit interested in Jefferson or early America it is a fascinating read.

It was a revelation to me to learn that Jefferson almost never knew Monticello as we know it today. For nearly his entire life he lived at a construction site -stepping over boards and buckets of plaster, looking through gaping holes in the roof, trying to stay out of the rain, etc.

McLaughlin traces Jefferson's admiration of Palladio (the Italian architect he idolized) and reveals many of the unique problems that had to be overcome during Monticello's construction as well as what was done to overcome them. He also reveals how Jefferson brought skilled craftsmen over from Europe to work on his house, and apprenticed others underneath them to help spread those skills in The United States. These European experts included those skilled in the culinary arts. Many learned to cook alongside his French chef, and Monticello was the first place in The United States where both ice cream and pancakes were prepared.

Two other tidbits that I found fascinating: The first is that Jefferson really gave our country its architectural language. He designed the capitol of Virginia, and our public buildings in Washington D.C. reflect Jefferson's style. In addition, the beautiful mansions of the antebellum South with their columns and porticos were heavily influenced by Jefferson. Monticello was the first building in our country to look that way and subsequent builders followed Jefferson's lead.

The second tidbit is the realization that the bricks used to build Monticello were made from the ground that was dug out for the underground passageways. So, unlike almost any other building Monticello has a unique relationship with the land it sits on.

If you are interested in Jefferson, homebuilding, early America, or especially if you are an architect, you will enjoy this book.

This is a fascinating biography of Thomas Jefferson because, as the author states, "This is not the usual kind of Thomas Jefferson biography; his revolutionary activities, political life, and public career as governor of Virginia, secretary of state, Vice President, and President are only glanced at obliquely. To use an old-fashioned term, it is a domestic life. It attempts to capture a personal and private Jefferson, to detail his relationships with his extended family and friends. The prism through which I view his life is the most most creative artifact of an exceptionally creative man--Monticello."

It goes without saying that Jefferson was an extraordinarily gifted human being, highly creative in many areas, including political thought and architecture. Yet, as this book makes plain, he was also very conventional in many ways. This was particularly true of his attitude towards women: "Like most men of his age, Jefferson believed women's interests were to be confined chiefly to housekeeping and childbearing. ... He also felt strongly that women, plain or fancy, brilliant or dull, had a single purpose in life, marriage and subordination to a husband."

McLaughlin's book shows Jefferson to be an extremely private person, one who for example destroyed all correspondence with his mother and with his wife. Thus any biography of him necessarily requires a great deal of interpretation to fill in the gaps. Although McLaughlin does an admirable job of doing so, his understanding may nevertheless be incomplete. He states, "If there is an identity theme to Jefferson's personality ... it is contained in the Head-Heart letter [to Maria Cosway]. Such a theme might be stated this way: the need for a tight rational control over life's exigencies must be balanced by an ability to feel and express love. It was only within the framework of family relationships--his wife, daughters, and grandchildren--that Jefferson was able to strike this balance." What goes unexamined is Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings--was this love? If so, what is is about Jefferson that allowed him to have lasting love only with a much younger woman of color who was also his slave? The record of Jefferson's relationship with Hemings is not revealed in Monticello, and so remains out of McLaughlin's reach. Nevertheless, McLauglin sheds a great deal of light on a most mysterious man.

In a dignified manner this book offers true accounts of lives that were lived in the shadows of an uncertain heritage. With more and more Americans embracing the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings romantic relationship for the reality (I have longed believed) it was, we are free to enjoy--and to learn from--this mixed-race, talented, loving family.

Few literary efforts make race seem so indistinct and unimportant today as this work by a remarkable young Jefferson-Hemings descendant. Everyone who has felt cheated by historians while attempting to learn the full story of Americans' mixed heritage can make up for that in part by reading Jefferson's Children.

By the way--it's not just a children's book. It's for everyone. It also provides a good historical perspective of Sally Hemings as the half-sister of Jefferson's late wife, Martha, who died 19 years before he became President.

Some people's sense of reality will conclude, rightly I believe, that Sally Hemings was, in his heart, the First Lady of President Thomas Jefferson. I regret the time was not right for open acknowledgment of that. It certainly is now.

This story is catalogued as a book for teens and young adults,
but I found it great reading for an older audience. It was
written as a result of research done by twenty-year-old Shannon
Lanier, a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson and his slave
Sally Hemings. With slavery as the backdrop, this book is an
attempt to combine the history of one American family. Amidst
the controversy surrounding the biography of Thomas Jefferson
and his offspring, Shannon shares his family's story.

Many descendants of Martha Jefferson and several generations of
historians have resisted the claims of kinship to Jefferson by
Hemings' offspring, and they feel these claims will tarnish his
legacy. But the information collected by Shannon is not a myth,
and it is his belief that he has found the final piece of puzzle
to complete the search for the the Hemings' family tree. Shannon
never intended to bring shame to Jefferson's legacy, but he is
aware that his research will show an unveiled look at a man many
feel is beyond reproach.

The story is told with a collection of historical essays,
interviews and family photographs, and is wonderfully illustrated
by Jane Feldman. This is not the Thomas Jefferson we studied in
school and there is the strong possibility that this particular
information may never appear in history books. Since there are no
written records of the slaves' birth, and of the period after
slavery was abolished, to substantiate Shannon's claims. The
history during these periods was memorized and told by oral
historians. But in 1998 DNA tests produced evidence that there
is a link between the Jefferson and Hemings families.

If nothing else, this story should produce sensitive discussions
on how we define our country based on the color of our skin. The
introduction by Lucian K. Truscott IV, a fifth generation great-
grandson of Jefferson through their daughter Martha
Jefferson-Randolph, shares his hope that this story will show us
that the worth of a person should not be determined only by what
we see.

Reviewed by aNN Brown
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I have just finished reading Jefferson's Children:The Story of One American Family, and the stories included here of the Hemings and Jefferson families have given me renewed hope that someday we all will treat each other as cousins and family. I realize that all families don't love each other, but these stories encourage me to believe that we can be more loving toward all people.

While this is catalogued as a children's book (ages 9-12), I believe it is a family book. Parents should read and discuss it with their children and teachers will develop lesson plans around it. I believe that this book will bring us all closer together.

This is a lament that people cannot be counted on to get a job done. One man could; and he did deliver a message to Garcia, no matter what. The whole book was written in a matter of an hour or so and has sold tens of millions of copies. I have used it to inspire a weak employee and am considering giving it as a present to my best 150 clients.

It's one of the inspire book i ever read. I strongly believe it's not outdated, in fact the clear message is very relevant in today world. I.e. Good manager give a clear Objective (E.g. Send a message to Garcia), and the person in charge should not giving excuse, no delay, and no "blaming why me". Ask question if there is any thing you need further explaination. (In Rowan's case, no) Then Figure it out on how to accomplish it.
Now day, there are too many people like to say this is not accomplishable and that not workable without having a try, without even "a Think". Many are giving too many excuses.

In addition, personally i think, this book is not only should be given by employer to employee, employer himself also should learn the lesson. I.e. One of the reason that Rowan can successfully deliver the message is because, His "employer", after given the objective, They fully delegate the task to Rowan, They did not care for the detail, They did not pretend to be smart to teach Roman on how to do it, They did not interfere, They trust Rowan, and give Rowan all the neccessary authority to make decision. Just imagine if all the important decision that Rowan make have to get approval first then only can respond. Do you think The Message can be successafully delivered?
I hope Employer also have to bear this in mind before blaming your employee for not that responsible and self-motivate as Rowan. Think first. Think do you really trust your staff, Think do they have all the neccessary authotiry to make decison, think that did you did your job good enough as a employer...?

Furthermore, ensure the Objective that you give is meaningful to your employee, let your employee have that kind of feeling of important. Sure when Rowan recieve the task, in his mind he would say this :" WOW, this seem chanllenging, this task is important, i must accomplish it otherwise we would lose the battle. And they are giving this such a important task to me, they trust me, I must do it RIGHT!"
Right?

Finally, Don't forget Positive feedback or recognising that President give to Rowan. Remember, People will only doing things for two main simplified reason, i.e. pain and pleasure. This also a part which should we learn. Off cause i doesn't mean Rowan doing all this just for his own pleasure, but at least it's a part of it.

Reading and discussing Hubbard's small classic, "A Message To Garcia" should be a pre-requisite for anyone about to work anywhere for a boss. Much is written about leaders, and this book helps to fill the huge gap in what is written for and about followers. The few minutes it takes to read this book could change the rest of your life. I first read it back in 1985 and I re-read it frequently.

Hubbard's inspiration for his "preachment" was an obscure but important event in the 1898 Spanish-American War. President McKinley needed someone to quickly deliver a message to an insurgent general somewhere in the jungles of Cuba. An army officer was recommended and McKinley personally handed the message to this officer with the mission to deliver the "message to Garcia." This officer's unhesitating acceptance of his mission with no superfluous questions and his subsequent completion of the mission is Hubbard's definition of an invaluable subordinate.

Hubbard's lessons of initiative (doing the right thing without being told) and loyalty to yourself, your boss, and your organization (doing the right thing when told only once) are timeless and well told. Hubbard spoke to all leaders and subordinates when he wrote, "It is not book-learning young men need, nor instruction about this and that, but a stiffening of the vertebrae which will cause them to be loyal to a trust, to act promptly, concentrate their energies: do the thing -- "Carry a message to Garcia.""